During her visit, the deputy minister said that she is visiting Africa’s oldest community radio station project to better understand the challenges facing the sector and the unique challenges facing each station.

Intensive discussion with Bush Radio regarding the state of community media

After the visit to Bush Radio, Kekana addressed the National Community Radio Forum Western Cape Meeting where she said that the Sentech issue; where stations’ transmissions were cut due to arrears, was a wake-up call to the Department of Communication.

She said that the discussion on the challenges would be taken forward at the proposed Community Media Summit, and that the summit would be solution orientated.

The Deputy Minister being shown the operational transmitter used in Bush Radio’s pirate transmissions pre-1994

The Deputy Minister also discussed the role of government to provide an enabling environment for the sustainability of community broadcasters by assisting in opening doors from corporates through advertising.

A big thank you to the media houses, individuals and organisations who have been working furiously to get word out about Bush Radio’s current financial situation. Everyone at the station appreciates the moral support we are receiving.

Our appeal continues however, any donation or investment through advertising or sponsorship is welcome. We are especially appealling to large corporates to show their support of a Free Independent Media to assist us in growing the station.

If you would like to make a donation here are the details (or see our Request letter):

For more than two decades Bush Radio has been at the forefront of broadcasting in South Africa, playing an integral part in the development and advancement of both the industry and individuals in the local broadcasting landscape.

Over the past three years, however, this pioneering radio station and training centre has been hit hard by the current economic climate, recently resulting in Bush Radio having to re-evaluate its operations in order to remain sustainable and influential in this fast-changing and exciting environment.

Tragically, this institution and symbol of media freedom is teetering on the brink of closure unless it can find a substantial amount of cash to cover rent, transmission and other running costs.

Watch a video clip of some of the training done at Bush Radio (click here):
Our landlord has given us until the 31 August to come with a tangible proposal, and we have decided to use this time to try and raise this money. The total cost we are trying to raise is R300,000 = Euro 30,000 = US $ 43,000.

Bush Radio provides a valuable, relevant and much-needed service in the communities of the Western Cape. Our legacy of assisting and being supported by communities all around the Cape is extensively documented, and due to our role as the pioneer of community radio in South Africa, we feel that our work is not yet done.

Bush Radio provides broadcast training to individuals, radio stations and media institutions in Africa, with a special focus in all the countries of Southern Africa. Bush Radio also has partnerships with organisations such as Public Achievement in Northern Island, which focuses on youth development and civic participation.

We hereby request you to assist us in this fundraising venture by making a donation, requesting your friends and colleagues to make a donation, or asking your company to make a donation.

All donations, irrespective of size, are welcome.

Donations can be paid directly into Bush Radio’s bank accounts and the details are: